Jeune Premier ministre, un ermite

Chapitre 103

His stubbornness flared up again. Li Tianqi took a breath. Why had he agreed to all of his conditions? "Alright, let's not talk about that for now, but you must participate in political discussions."

"Fourth..." Li Tianqi was still considering.

Wei Zijun looked up and smiled slightly, "Don't bring up conditions if you don't have any. You see, you're the one who benefits no matter what, so why are you even asking for conditions?"

Li Tianqi wondered, did he gain an advantage? But no matter how he looked at it, it seemed like the sly person who had gained the advantage, while he had suffered a loss. But even if he had suffered a loss, so what? After all, he could return to his side, couldn't he?

From a public standpoint, having him alone is worth a thousand troops; from a private standpoint, he's finally back by his side, so even if he suffers some losses, so what? He doesn't feel like he's lost out; in a certain respect, he's won.

The rising sun startled the birds in the forest. A ray of sunlight pierced through the treetops, through the roof of the Western Turkic royal tent, and fell upon the figure in a black robe embroidered with gold.

The young Khan, shining like a star, leaned lightly against his seat. His hair was black, adorned with a jade crown, and he wore a light robe with a loose belt. He was as transparent as water and as aloof as ice. The sunlight made his fair skin appear somewhat translucent, and his moonlit elegance gave his languid and noble beauty a touch of aloofness that made people afraid to get close to him.

His clear gaze swept over the excited ministers, his every glance radiating boundless brilliance.

She knew how they felt.

"This Khan raises his troops only to protect the homes of the people, and forms alliances only to ensure that the people are well-fed and clothed. The people are the foundation of the nation. Even with hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry, without fields and people living in peace and prosperity, what kind of nation is it? Do we intend to plunder the wealth of other countries to support our own military needs? We must know that our national treasury comes from our own land and our own people. Only when the people are prosperous can the nation be strong."

"Khan, that may be true, but we can still hold on. We shouldn't give up before the battle even begins," the ministers said, expressing their dissatisfaction.

"Years of war will inevitably leave fields barren, treasuries empty, and the people starving and resentful. They will surely rise up in rebellion, plundering and plundering. If we go to war with Tibet this time, other countries will take advantage of our internal strife to launch a major invasion, especially Persia, which has long been eyeing us covetously. Coupled with the conquest by Dayu, we will be surrounded by enemies on all sides, suffering internal and external disasters, with no land to cultivate and no crops to sow, and insufficient food supplies. Even if I have a thousand talents, my country will be doomed. It is better to rely on the strength of Dayu now to force Tibet to retreat and ensure the livelihood of my people. Otherwise, if the consequences are disastrous, it may be too late to reverse the situation."

Upon hearing this, the ministers gradually quieted down from their previous excited and noisy discussion. They knew that the Khan was right. However, they still felt a little unwilling.

This peace talks with Dayu, though ostensibly a submission, are in reality an alliance, bringing only benefits and no harm to our nation. Firstly, the preservation of our national title is fundamental; secondly, Dayu's provision of funds and supplies to aid our people is a significant advantage; thirdly, the five-year tax exemption will allow us to rebuild our strength; and fourthly, our 300,000 cavalry will remain at our disposal. Foreign powers can simply recuperate; one day, when our nation is prosperous and strong, whether we stay or leave, whether we wage war or expand our territory, will it not be entirely up to us?”

"We understand." Finally, someone stopped objecting.

Forming alliances and submitting to their masters is also a strategy; their Khan is always farsighted and can always see what they cannot. Just by listening to these words, they already know that they are the ones who will benefit.

"Do any of my beloved ministers have any further objections?"

The tent was completely silent. After a moment, they said in unison, "We will obey the Khan's will."

"Very well, today we will draft a formal document to announce to the people. Relief supplies will arrive in ten days, including grain, cloth, gold, and silver." Wei Zijun looked at the assembled officials and called out, "Hu Luju Quechuo."

"Your subject is present."

I hereby order you to lead five thousand men and distribute half of the relief funds to each tribe, ensuring that every herdsman receives them. The remaining half shall be used for military supplies.

"yes."

"Khan, there is no need to use military force. These matters can be handled by the begs of the various tribes," said the old minister Yan Hongda.

"With funds being distributed at each level, there's a risk of embezzlement and misappropriation. By the time it reaches the people, I'm afraid very little will be left," Wei Zijun sighed softly.

This was truly a last resort. She didn't want to waste her energy on surveillance, much less use this opportunity to test who was honest and who was corrupt. These supplies had to be distributed as quickly as possible by the fastest-moving army, because some refugees who hadn't reached the royal court had already starved to death, and the relief food had been cut off for six days. These life-saving supplies, which she had endured humiliation to obtain, couldn't withstand further disruption. She understood the principle that "too much purity leaves no fish," and she hoped for a clean government crackdown, but not now.

"My beloved ministers, I have one more request."

"Khan, please give your orders, but do not kill your ministers," the ministers said in fear.

"As my beloved ministers know, the people suffering from the disaster are starving, and some have already died. Relief funds will not arrive for another ten days, during which time countless others will surely perish. I have already allocated some military rations, but they are only enough for three days. I have also ordered the entire palace to tighten its belt to save for the people's needs. I also ask that you, my beloved ministers, do your part for the people, whether it be money or grain. Consider it a loan from me, and I will repay you double in the future. I thank you all." After saying this, he rose and bowed.

"Khan!" someone below began to sob.

"Khan!"

"Khan!"

In an instant, a group of people knelt on the ground. Everyone sighed in disbelief.

Their Khan, who was as proud as a god on the battlefield, actually came to plead with them for the sake of the people of his country.

The Khan, who never once twitched his brows on the battlefield, now had his delicate eyebrows furrowed, and his fair face, as white as moonlight, was filled with worry about the suffering of the people. Although his body had the imposing presence to withstand thousands of troops, it was so thin.

The sins committed by a treacherous minister were now being borne by these young, frail shoulders. If it weren't for Yu Jun's coercion, how could the current situation have come to this? The ministers couldn't help but feel pity and tenderness, and many had tears in their eyes.

The setting sun was like fire, crows were startled from the branches, and the whole world was bathed in a red glow. Tomorrow will be another beautiful day.

Sitting outside the tent, eyes closed and head tilted back, the setting sun cast an unusually warm glow on her black robe. She truly had few more days to enjoy this Western Turkic sun; this grassland where she could ride her horse freely was about to leave her.

Suddenly, darkness fell before my eyes as a dark shadow blocked the light.

Opening his eyes, clear gaze swept over a round, chubby little face—it was Ashina Dilan.

“You’re going to surrender again—shameless! You’re going to surrender here! And then you’re going to surrender there again!” Di Lan shouted at Wei Zijun, straining his neck.

Wei Zijun smiled bitterly.

Have you forgotten what my father Khan said?

She hadn't forgotten; she hadn't broken her vow; she was simply doing her best to protect the country.

"Go ahead, go ahead! Go to Dayu and enjoy yourself! Wear your fine silks and satins! Eat your delicacies!"

Actually, she would be content with just a simple dress.

"Go away—I never want to see you again—" Di Lan turned and ran.

"Dilan—" Wei Zijun called out, and seeing that she had stopped, she said, "Come here—"

“I’m not going to stop you from coming over here.” Di Lan turned around, but didn’t move.

Wei Zijun stood up, walked closer to Dilan, squatted down, and put her arm around her. "Dilan, come with me to Dayu."

"I won't go—" Dilan cried out in a shrill voice, "I want to stay here and protect my mother and father—"

"Come back with me, and I will bring you back to see them every year." Wei Zijun gently stroked Dilan's little face.

"I'm not going—" Di Lan screamed and broke free from Wei Zijun's embrace, running away.

It's so frustrating, I don't even have the strength to cry.

Alone, I mounted the Telesa and sped along until I reached the place where stone figures stood.

He stroked the stele, tracing the deeply engraved inscription: "Khan, Wei Feng has come to drink with you today. From now on, Wei Feng will not be able to visit you as often."

He opened the wine flask, poured the wine onto the ground beneath the monument, and then took a large gulp himself.

"Are you satisfied with my arrangements? I imagine you won't say anything, whether you are or not, because you always listen to me." He leaned against the monument and sat down, taking another large gulp from the wine flask. "Also, because you haven't said a word in a long time."

"We first met in this cold land, and were entangled in the bitterness of worldly affairs."

The ties of this world inevitably bring sorrow and parting; as flowers fade and gray hairs grow.

My dream is shattered, my business is yet to flourish, and the effects of the wine are hard to shake off.

Who could have foreseen that you would be in Baishan while I was in Daxing?

"Khan, do you like the poem I wrote for you? You should like it, because you have always liked it."

A melancholy, like silkworms spinning threads, welled up from the depths of his heart. Only a faint, almost imperceptible, desolation remained between heaven and earth. He tilted his head back and took another large gulp of wine, the liquid dripping down his chin and onto his black satin robe.

"Reyikan, what should we do about Dilan? She refuses to come with me."

In June, the green grass grows tall, the setting sun is warm, and the gossamer threads, thousands of feet long, are most heartbreaking.

The unfinished wine spilled all over the floor.

That graceful figure lay before the monument, the warm breeze blowing through her thin black dress, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, gently fluttering its wings.

Her limp body was pulled into an embrace.

The drunk man opened his hazy eyes and smiled faintly, "He Lu, why do I always see you when I feel dizzy?"

He Lu chuckled, sat down on the ground, and held the drunk man in his arms. "Because when you're sober, you can never see me."

Gazing at the captivating face before me, bathed in the soft blush of the setting sun, his fair cheeks appeared even more alluring, his soft lips like petals drifting in the wind, exuding a delicate fragrance.

Boundless tenderness swept over me like a tidal wave, and I gazed at her intently, then lowered my head and kissed her.

Volume Two, Turkic Chapter Ninety-Two: Forbidden Love

The sucking of his lips went from a gentle touch to a passionate demand, the fragrance of orchids mixed with the aroma of wine stimulating his brain.

He smells really good.

The soft, sweet touch made him hold her soft body tightly, wanting to meld her into his own. This desire, which began with that gentle touch, became uncontrollable. His large hands began to rub her waist restlessly, then moved up her arms, and down to her shoulders, kneading her incessantly.

The drunkard felt a tightness in his chest from the intense pressure and couldn't breathe from the verbal abuse, so he began to writhe restlessly.

The struggle of the person in his arms woke him up. He gently withdrew his lips and took a deep breath to calm his wildly beating heart.

Gazing at her jade-like face and her snow-white neck, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to her neck.

He had just opened his lips when he remembered the oversized fox fur collar she wore in the sweltering June heat, and chuckled softly. Unable to bear seeing her suffer any longer, he gently parted her collar and left a deep kiss mark below her hidden collarbone.

Looking at her swollen red lips and the delicate hickeys on her collarbone, she couldn't bear to bully the drunk person any longer.

He simply lowered his face, pressed it against her cheek, and buried it in her neck. The soft touch on his face made him sigh softly: She is so beautiful, so beautiful.

Holding her soft body, unwilling to let go or get up, I just sat there until twilight came.

Until, the night wind rose.

--------------------------------

A magnificent and imposing procession of guards stood tall, with soldiers holding aloft a nine-dragon, five-colored canopy flanking the golden, luxurious dragon carriage. Colorful banners fluttered, embroidered golden dragons danced, wind chimes jingled, and brocade ribbons billowed. Officials and commoners alike lined both sides of the road to see them off.

When that graceful, peerless figure appeared on horseback, the people on both sides immediately stirred and shouted, "Khan—"

His clear gaze swept over the shouting people, and he nodded with a faint smile. With a flick of his wide sleeves, he addressed the assembled officials, "Go back now."

"Khan—take care."

"Khan—let me go with you."

"Khan—I'll see you off one more time."

Wei Zijun waved her hand; she hated the feeling of parting.

The army ahead had already begun to move. Wei Zijun rode up to Helu and said, “After you deliver this to Gaochang, you can take these 10,000 elite cavalry back with you. The country is at peace now. Unless absolutely necessary, you can make your own decisions, but you must consult with Jielifa and Yan Hongda. Don’t be rash in anything. In the next two years, we should focus on agriculture, manage the Silk Road, and breed superior horse breeds. These are the best ways for us to accumulate wealth.”

"Why are you telling me all this? I don't want to be in power." He Lu lowered his head and adjusted the reins in his hands.

"Who wouldn't want to be in control of the government?" He raised his eyes and looked into the distance. "Thinking about it is useless, because I'm going to Dayu with you."

Wei Zijun was taken aback. "He Lu, stop fooling around!"

“You going isn’t considered foolish, but me going is. What kind of logic is that?” He Lu said, dissatisfied.

“He Lu, this is your homeland, your tribe. How can you abandon them and be so irresponsible?” Wei Zijun scolded softly.